U.S. gasoline prices continue to drop

WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 (UPI) -- Motor group AAA reports Monday the national price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline was $3.47, the lowest since February

The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline Monday, about 4 cents less than one week ago and 34 cents lower than the same time last year. AAA reports a national average of around $3.66 for February, one of the lowest averages for the year

Prices across the United States begin to decline after the Labor Day holiday in September because refiners switch to a less expensive winter blend of gasoline and fewer people take lengthy road trips.

Major crude oil indexes held slightly above the $100 per barrel mark though they've declined because of higher oil production from Libya.

The U.S. Energy Department said it expects retail prices to average $3.44 per gallon for the rest of the year.

AAA said Sept. 17 marked the 1,000th consecutive day the national average price for gasoline held above the $3 per gallon mark. For a national average, the motor group said gasoline prices may never be that low again.

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